Originally Posted by
Dorian Anderson
Thanks for the clarification. It's just difficult because at the instant I achieved my ideal Canon kit (100-400 II, DO II, 600/4 II, 5D4, 1DX2), it became evident Canon was falling behind in the AF department. Birds in flight are a significant part of what I do - thought by no means the only part - so there wasn't the same push to switch to Nikon when you, Salem, Isaac, and Artie did. Plus, I wasn't in a financial position to take a bath on gear then (or now). I figured I would hang onto my current kit while mirrorless was developed and adopt that platform (Canon or other) in 5 years or so. Well, it looks like Sony has brought the mirrorless along faster than I expected, so I don't think it makes sense to start investing in Nikon knowing Sony is now the AF (and TC) leader. I totally understand what you are saying about the Canon AF. If I'm given only a single pass from fast/small subject, I'm not confident I'm going to get the frame I want. Some of that is me, but I know the frustration when I put the AF point right on the bird and the camera still doesn't track it as I'd like.
I am thinking about divesting from some of my Canon gear in the near future, and I would probably hold what funds I raise as cash until I'm ready to make another purchase. The Sony is super attractive to me. Not only is it mirrorless and gives me 20 FPS, but the 2x seems to work wonders. I'm not one of those shooters who drives up to a location and shoots only what's within 100 yards of the car. I do a ton of exploring on foot (and by boat), and the reduced weight would be a huge benefit to me, especially since I never use a tripod (at least outside the tropics). Less weight would also make international travel easier. I'm envious of those who can move between systems, but I have to be VERY careful about it as I am effectively an unemployed writer. Most of my gear was amassed when I had income, and my DX2 was a kind and very-unexpected gift from my wife for my 40th birthday 18 months ago (I'm not sure how she'd feel about me selling it!). So, I kinda need to continue with what I have for the moment, minus what I can start to sell off. The 400 DO II and 5D4 would be the first to go as they get the least use. I do use the 100-400 a lot while I am birding, mostly to document unusual sightings.
All of this is to say that I'm not emotionally-wed to Canon or believe it the best gear on Earth; It's what works financially at this moment while giving me more-than-adequate performance for most of what I do, BIF notably accepted when the other systems are considered. I'm incredibly fortunate to have the kit I do, and I try to spend my time thinking what I can do with it versus what I can't. I just think a bit of perspective needs to be maintained when we're talking about cameras which cost more than many people make in a year. Cheers!